Glorious days! Today I will travel to Cambodia, one of the most special countries in Southeast Asia, and to the city of Siem Reap.. You’ve probably heard the name of this city for the first time, and I was just like you before I planned the route.. What if I say Angkor Wat?
Here I am exploring every inch of Siem Reap and Cambodia for you, which is home to this world-famous historical spot. In my Siem Reap travel notes, you can read about the places to visit in this city, my general impressions of Cambodia, and the information about Angkor Wat, which is very curious, along with my photo adventure.
The Boarding Pass for My Kuala Lumpur – Siem Reap Flight
Kuala Lumpur’ to Siem Reap
Wednesday, May 03, 2017. It’s very early in the morning, today I will literally travel into an adventure. Time to proceed to Kuala Lumpur Airport with KLIA Express first.. My flight that will take me to Siem Reap leaves at 06.50.
The airport is very crowded.. I think there are many departures in the morning. After a little time lost during passporting, I board a cute-looking red and white plane of Air Asia..
We’re taking off for Cambodia at around 7 o’clock without any delay! Meanwhile, it’s still dark around. Honestly, I didn’t get much sleep either, it’s a pleasant place to take a nap
Boarding My Flight to Siem Reap / KLIA
How to Get to Cambodia?
The distance I will travel today is approximately 1100 kilometers to the north.. We will mostly fly over the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.. You have no choice but to airline for this route. Actually, what created this route for me was Air Asia’s only $10 flight ticket between these two cities!
How can we reach Cambodia from Turkey? It is not easy to reach Cambodia from our country. THY has direct flights to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh and Kuala Lumpur where I am located in this region.. You can reach the capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by adding short connections of a few hours like me to these flights.. Since there are no Cambodia cities on the route of Gulf and European Airlines, you can’t reach them by transfer from here.
From My Plane That Will Take Me To Cambodia / Next To The Same Air Asia As Ours
Cambodia for Beginners
Now I would like to introduce you Cambodia and the city of Siem Reap.. Cambodia or Kingdom of Cambodia is a medium-sized state located in the middle of Southeast Asia.. Its borders are surrounded by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and the South China Sea.
The country’s population is around 15 million.. The official language is Khmer and their currency is the Cambodian Riel.. Almost all of the people belong to Theravada Buddhism.
Cambodia is a country with a complex history.. The country, which was under French and Japanese occupations in its modern history, had a hard time until the end of the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot rule until 1979.. During the Pol Pot era, positive development of the country was largely hindered and various massacres were committed.
General View of Cambodia / Siem Reap
This structure, which was disintegrated under the influence of the military operation of the neighboring country Vietnam, was replaced in 1993 with its current state. left to the State of Cambodia. As a result of all this mixed history, Cambodia is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in the world. The per capita annual income is less than $900.
21. With the breakthrough at the beginning of the century, Cambodia is showing a rising appearance today.. Angkor Wat, which is the symbol of the country, has become the main source of tourism. Capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are also the centers of the developing textile trade of the country.
Siem Reap Streets
Information About Siem Reap
Siem Reap is one of the two most important cities of Cambodia, together with the capital Phnom Penh.. Although the total population is around 200,000, this number can be higher with tourists coming to see the Angkor Wat Temples, 6 kilometers north.. The city can be called Cambodia’s tourism capital.
Sieam Reap is also very close to Tonle Sap Lake, one of South East Asia’s most important freshwater resources > exists. However, agriculture is at the forefront besides tourism in the city.
Siem Reap’s Touristic Areas
Does Cambodia Require a Visa?
Finally, Cambodia requires a visa at the door from Turkish Passports. . You can get it at the airport for 30 US Dollars without any prior action.. Official passport holders are exempt from visa for their travels up to 30 days.
After taking off on the plane, two seats next to me were empty, I slept and slept ! Until the stewardess woke me up for landing.. I almost teleported to Cambodia. Thanks to my productive time on the plane, I can start a very energetic day.
The chart I see below while descending is interesting.. Scattered single-storey houses are housed in the flat, wet soil structure of Cambodia. They look poor but very sympathetic!
We land at Siem Reap International Airport at 9 am local time.. This is a small airport.. It’s like our tiny airports in Anatolia, you walk from the plane to the terminal.
We’re Descending for Siem Reap / The Table I Mentioned Below
The airport’s terminal building has a very nice appearance. Siem Reap Airport offers one of the modern and beautiful architectures of the country, even if you create a very poor image when traveling to a country like Cambodia.
I got a little lucky during passport control! All of the people who get off the plane, mostly European tourists, are in a queue for visa, and I enter the country in a few seconds with the advantage of the official passport 30 dollars in my pocket.
Actually, I was a little worried about this before I arrived.. Although the ministry mentioned visa exemption on its page, I could not confirm this information in any Cambodian source.. After a few seconds of surprise from the officer, I was admitted to the country without a visa.
While Walking to Siem Reap Airport Terminal
Transportation to Siem Reap Airport
Siem Reap Airport is about 7 kilometers west of the city.. You do not have a public transport option to reach the city. Tuk-Tuks, which you will see frequently in Cambodia, are your only chance here!
I read dozens of articles before coming, but none of them mentioned a clear price.. It was always “we agreed on this price”. There I realize that this service has a set price.
To reach the city center from Siem Reap Airport, you have to pay 8 USD.. They work with a system like a taxi rank. After paying this fixed price, Tuk-Tuks drop you off wherever you want in the city.
Tuk-Tuk With My Hired Friend Takaki / Siem Reap Airport
Currency in Cambodia
Note that I use US Dollars may have taken. Dollars are generally used in Cambodia.. Because of the worthlessness of the local currency, you can travel here as if you were in the USA.
Because I knew this situation beforehand, I had exactly 50 pieces of 1 dollar made in Istanbul I think I can get out of the business by paying 1 dollar for most things in the city. You can’t have a strong bargaining hand if you don’t have coins with you!
The price of Tuk-Tuk going to the city is fixed no matter how many people you hire.. I do not plan to pay this money alone While I was looking around at the time, a Japanese person my age draws my attention. As soon as I go to him and offer to rent a joint, he accepts it!
My Advance to Siem Reap City / The Way To The Airport
First Impressions
We are moving towards Siem Reap by chatting with Takaki. If you’re on a Tuk-Tuk for the first time like me, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Experiencing this in my first moments in Cambodia is even more unforgettable, with a Japanese I met at that moment!
The road to the city is smooth and paved.. As you enter Siem Reap, large and small houses appear around. In fact, while there are rich>hotels and luxury jeeps on the road, on the other hand, there are slum houses and people who don’t even dress properly.
From My First Minutes in Siem Reap / From Tuk-Tuk
Where to Stay in Siem Reap?
I arrive at Siem Reap Pub Hostel in 15-20 minutes. Pleasant hostel with bar and pool in the form of a summer house. I’ll pay an incredible $7 total for two nights. It is possible to find hostels in Siem Reap for $1-2 per night.
Surprisingly, this city has a large number of hostels like a European city.. Hostels are either more modern in concept or more in tune with the Cambodian atmosphere like mine.. My suggestion is don’t get obsessed with luxury and experience Cambodia!
Coming To My Hostel / Siem Reap
Places To Visit In Siem Reap
Siem Now I want to start places to visit in Reap. Actually I must say that it is integrated under one roof, this is Angkor Wat Ancient City and Temples.
Angkor Wat is the largest ancient city you can see in the world. Khmer King II between 1115-1145. Built by Suryavarman. The most interesting feature of this ancient city and temples is that it was abandoned after the Khmer Kingdom moved its capital to Phnom Penh and integrated with greenery among the forests for 700 years! , 20. After it was brought to light in the 19th century, it has become a rising center of tourism in the process until today.. Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the world according to most people!
One of Angkor City’s Temples
Journey to Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, for brief introduction only A city where I even write paragraphs and which contains dozens of temples and historical items.. I mention Angkor in a separate travel note so that my general impressions here and the texture of the ancient city do not mix with my impressions of Siem Reap and Cambodia.
You can read my travel notes in Angkor Wat now and continue this article from where you left off, or you can find the details of my Angkor Wat trip from the link at the end of the page, after my Siem Reap impressions.
My Travel Notes to Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Me Exploring Angkor Wat / Cambodia
Siem Reap City Center
I return to Siem Reap city in the afternoon after my time in Angkor Wat. I’m on Sivutha Boulevard that cuts the city from north to south. This is the most modern area of Siem Reap.
Whatever you look for along the street. Whatever you buy, from the so-called millionaire shopping malls to the massage parlors of Asia.. The most remarkable members are the stores of fast-food chains such as KFC and McDonalds.
Sivutha Boulevard / Siem Reap
Now you can see such global brands wherever you go in the world, even in Cambodia! Before I come, “Can I find something to eat in Cambodia?” look what I come across.
There is a river that divides Siem Reap in the middle.. The touristic parts of the city are generally located in the west.. I improvise on the side streets in this area.. Here, too, there are shops almost everywhere. Souvenirs and local Asian delicacies are the easiest to find.
Siem Reap Central District
Street Economy in Cambodia
The common feature of these shops is that they are very cheap. Almost everything is 1 dollar in Siem Reap!
People in Cambodia are really poor. My Tuk-Tuk’chum Samboo, who accompanied me on my Angkor Wat tour, mentioned that he can only earn 150-200 dollars a month, and he even considers himself lucky.
One of the Activities You Can Do in the City for 1 Dollar / Siem Reap
The streets of Siem Reap confirm this. From Thai Massage to magnets, from food to drinks, everything is very cheap.. We understand food and drink, but things that require human labor are also cheap!
I’m on my way. I have already reached the bank of the river I mentioned earlier.. The river is more reed-like, don’t expect too much water.. There are a few nice-looking bridges over it. It makes for a better view as it gets dark.
From Siem Reap Streets
Siem Reap Buddhist Temples
There are a few places I’d like to see beyond the river. These are the Buddhist Temples of the city with its stunning architecture, Wat Bo and Wat Damnak.
I can say that they were both built with an understanding similar to my impressions in Bangkok but differing in small details.. an example of Khmer Architecture you can see in Wat Bo, Cambodia.
Wat Damnak is a temple built on a larger area.. One of the must-see structures in Siem Reap with the historical buildings and cultural items in its garden.. Apart from that, Wat Preah Prom Rath, on the riverbank, is also a must-see with its golden boat.
One of the Temples of Siem Reap
Siem Reap Old Market
Back to the west end of the river. i’m passing. Here is Siem Reap’s most famous and old market. Psar Chas, or in English the Old Market, is one of the city’s living spots.
This market has every product you can think of.. Cambodians usually shop here.. Vegetable-fruit products look better than I expected. Even though the place looks a bit outdated, it is in harmony with the Cambodian atmosphere.
You can even buy a kilo of insects in this market! This legend is circulating a lot in our country, but it is true that living and non-living insects are eaten in Cambodia.. Since I wasn’t very fond of them, I could only take pictures of them and look at them in amazement.
Siem Reap Old Market
Cambodia’s Night Markets
When shopping in Siem Reap is for tourists; Night Market
The night markets are very famous in Cambodia.. Siem Reap is a city that lives until late at night. As it gets dark, the surroundings suddenly become bright. Tonight’s markets are also a part of it
There are major night markets in Siem Reap. Two of them are Angkor Night Market and Siem Reap Night Market. I suggest you experience both in the night atmosphere.. Perfect for experiencing the more touristic and fun atmosphere of the city.
Angkor Night Market
Pub Street – Nightlife
Now I am arriving at one of the most famous spots in Siem Reap. This is Pub Street.
Pub Street is Siem Reap’s most famous bar street.. There are dozens of delightful pubs and nightclubs. The center of entertainment in Cambodia. Almost all of Pub Street is made up of tourists.
Pub Street Street / Siem Reap
With its beautifully decorated street sign and colorfully illuminated bars, this place got full marks from me. Now we come to the best feature.
Drinks are almost free at Siem Reap Pub Street! There are places where you can drink 50 pints of beer for 0.25 cents. Less than 1 TL in Turkish Currency. And these prices are valid in venues, so there’s no misunderstanding.
Beer Prices at Pub Street
As I sit in one of these venues and sip my beer, a group sitting next to me calls out to me! /p>
With the effect of alcohol, we meet in a very short time and start chatting.. They’re Chris, Matt and Hannah. Two from Canada, one from Vancouver and one from Manchester, UK. We must have gotten along well so that we can have fun in a few different places and go to the heights of fun in Cambodia!
At the end of the night that ended like this, the night party in the hostel’s pool was a real surprise to me! Before I could come to my senses, I had a great time! I am experiencing unforgettable moments here, Cambodia is full of surprises.
One of My Fun Places and the Lights of Siem Reap
Thursday, May 04, 2017. I wake up to a tropical Cambodian day. Let no one touch my pleasure! The atmosphere of the area where my hostel is located is very nice, like a summer town.
Lush trees all around, a sand-gravel mixed road and friendly restaurants. For a hearty breakfast, I sit at a boutique restaurant 50-100 meters from the hostel, the Khmer Hidden Home Restaurant.
Around My Hostel
What to Eat in Cambodia?
Breakfast My first choice for omelets and tropical fruits in. Besides, they served me Cambodian cold tea. The little girl of the restaurant owners is playing with her toys, it’s a cute place
I’m at the last place I think to visit in Siem Reap after breakfast. This calm and quiet atmosphere around my hostel is part of my trip.. Narrow streets and detached houses… There are usually luxury cars in front of the houses here. This should be the place for the well-off in Siem Reap.
This is how I complete the places to visit in Siem Reap. I will go to Angkor again for the rest of the day.. Now I want to wrap up the article and give some travel tips.
Served Cambodian Cold Tea
Why Go to Siem Reap?
You should come to Siem Reap first. I don’t think the place I told you not to come did not come But I recommend this place even more.. I haven’t gone into the subject of Angkor Wat much, this is a reason enough to come to Siem Reap..
Besides, Siem Reap’s offers with its different, authentic atmosphere and entertainments. combined make it visitable even without Angkor Wat.
Summer Streets Around Hostel
Is Cambodia Safe?
Is it safe to go to Cambodia? Before I come, whoever I call Cambodia, “What are you doing there?” approached with prejudice. Many of those who say this think that this place is unsafe, but that is not true!
Cambodia is one of the countries where you can travel safely. They are not in the center of the world’s chaos, they live in their own way.. Contrary to the forecast, there are many tourists. Hannah, whom I met the previous evening, came to an 18-year-old girl from England! And from a distance of 100 meters she says I am a tourist, in a full English image. If even he was able to come and visit here without fear, what do you think is the problem?
Edible Insects Sold in the Old Market
Things to Watch Out for in Cambodia
The only thing you need to pay attention to in Cambodia is this is a state where the state facilities are far ahead. not the place. How are the health and police services questionable?. You don’t need these institutions as much as possible !
Eat carefully, do not leave your belongings in the open where they can be stolen, and stay away from creatures that may be poisonous. The creatures you can see here are not innocent at all.
From the Streets of Siem Reap
When to go to Cambodia?
Cambodia is a country you can visit all year round.. Hot all year round like other countries on my Southeast Asian route. In our opinion, summer months are more humid and cooler here, but even this is hot for us!
You should be prepared for sudden rains in Siem Reap and the effect of the sun that can knock you out.
Siem Reap and Angkor Wat can be visited in 2 days in total. This time is ideal.. If you say that you will have more adventures and enjoy this fun environment, you can stay longer.. As you know, this place is very cheap!
Roads to Cambodia Wet by Rain / On the Way to Angkor Wat
Cities to Visit Around Siem Reap
Those who have more time can visit the capital city Phnom Penh and Bangkok must visit. You can also travel as far as Malaysia and Singapore with suitable flights like me.
Of course we mustn’t forget Vietnam and Laos. Although I couldn’t include it in my Southeast Asia route this time, it is very close to Cambodia, one of the countries worth exploring in my future plans.
The Siem Reap Riverside and Isil Bridge I Visited In the Evening
Cambodia Tuk-Tuks – Inner City Transportation
Finally, I will talk about Cambodia Tuk-Tuks and transportation for the city.. Except for Angkor Wat and the Airport, there are very few places that you cannot reach on foot in Siem Reap..
You can easily come across Tuk-Tuks almost everywhere in the city.. Usually 2-3 dollars is enough for them. You can make a pricing based on your distance and budget.
While in Siem Reap Tuk-Tuk / Cambodia
This is how I complete my travel notes in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I tried to tell you my impressions of the places to visit in this city in every aspect.. You should definitely read my travel notes that I wrote about the two days I spent in Angkor Wat Ancient City, which gives meaning to this city and Cambodia.
After my route in Southeast Asia, Siem Reap, by road first to Poi Pet, Cambodia and then by train to Bangkok, Thailand. I wish everyone a day full of well-being !
Continuation of the article: Angkor Wat, Cambodia Travel NotesNext Day: My Bangkok Thailand Travel NotesPrevious Day 1: My Travel Notes to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});